OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Sony VPL-SW536C review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,340Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:3100Throw ratio:0.27-0.29:1Lamp life:3000 hours

Sony VPL-SW536C Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

35%

5.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 78% of projectors
5.7

Value for money

Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

3.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

3.1

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.0

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 96%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,340
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-SW536C

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

3.1

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.0

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

5.2
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

3.4

Price

5.7
ANSI lumens
3,100
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,100 ANSI lumens, brighter than 71.4% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
2,500:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 2500:1, lower than 69.4% of projectors and equal to 1.6% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
0.27-0.29:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
130 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 130 inch, smaller than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.05
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.05, narrower than 98.7% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
3,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 3,000 hours, longer than 91.9% of projectors and equal to 4% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
291 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 291 W of power, more than 67.6% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Show more

Sony VPL-SW536C vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 40.9% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,100 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,100 vs 2,200
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 40.9% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,100 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,100 vs 2,200
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    2 vs 0
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 60 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (4 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    4 % vs 64 %
  • 28 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (2 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    2 % vs 30 %
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 21.5% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-SW536C has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.72 vs 6.9).
    5.72 vs 6.95
  • 2.03x more expensive
    Sony VPL-SW536C is more expensive than the average projector (£1,340 vs £660).
    £1,340 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    February 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 60 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (4 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    4 % vs 64 %
  • 28 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (2 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    2 % vs 30 %
  • 120 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (130 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    130 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.25 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.05 vs 1.3
  • 25 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (5 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    5 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 25 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (5 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    5 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 17,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2.35x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 87.4 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (384.4 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    384.4 mm vs 297 mm
  • 1 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    32 dB vs 31 dB
  • 61 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (291 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    291 W vs 230 W

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-SW536C

  • Ultra-short throw capability allows for large images (up to 80 inches) from very short distances (~0.48m)
  • High brightness at 3,100 ANSI lumens, making it effective for well-lit classrooms or meeting rooms
  • Interactive features with dual-pen support for collaborative presentations
  • Long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in ECO mode helps reduce maintenance costs
  • Vertical and horizontal lens shift for greater installation flexibility without moving the unit
  • Large maximum projection size of up to 130 inches while maintaining focus
  • Internal 16W speaker provides sufficient audio for small to medium-sized rooms

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-SW536C

  • Native resolution is limited to WXGA (1280x800), which is lower than modern Full HD or 4K standards
  • Electronic keystone correction can slightly reduce overall picture quality
  • Audible noise level of 35 dB can be noticeable in quiet environments compared to home theatre models
  • Primarily designed for education/office use, so it may lack advanced HDR or high-end film processing features
  • The model is discontinued, which may make finding official replacement parts more difficult over time
  • Higher brightness settings significantly reduce the overall lamp lifespan

Verdict

The Sony VPL-SW536C is an interactive ultra-short throw 3LCD projector designed primarily for educational environments, featuring a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution and 3,100 ANSI lumens of brightness. Its standout characteristic is the ultra-short throw ratio of 0.27–0.29:1, which allows it to project an 80-inch image from just 0.47 metres away, significantly reducing shadows and presenter glare. Key pros include a high-wattage 16W internal speaker, manual lens shift (vertical +/- 4%, horizontal +/- 2%) for installation flexibility, and a long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in eco mode. However, notable cons include its discontinued status as a 2013 model, a relatively modest typical contrast ratio of 2500:1, and an audible noise level of 35 dB which may be noticeable in quiet settings.

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